Access to Syariah lawyers, advice available online during MCO

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Syariah Lawyers Association (PGSM) has launched a free online syariah consultation programme in light of the extended movement control order (MCO).

In a statement Tuesday (April 7), its president Musa Awang said the association took note of the troubles faced by the Muslim community in obtaining syariah legal advice as syariah courts nationwide have ceased operations for the time being due to the MCO.

“Throughout the MCO, there have been marital conflicts in the Muslim community such as pronouncement of talak (divorce) outside of the courts, child custody battles or visiting rights, child support, deaths that lead to claims of matrimonial property or faraid, domestic violence and others.

Those seeking legal advice can also search for the names of syariah lawyers who are members of PGSM according to their states on www.pgsm.org.my.

“However, if the public would want further consultation, they will be referred to syariah lawyers who are within 10km radius from their homes, ” Musa said, adding that there are more than 700 PGSM members nationwide.

He said that the online consultation programme will continue even after the end of MCO.

Musa said it was hoped that PGSM’s effort would help the Government in lessening the effect of MCO on the community in the battle against Covid-19 pandemic.